UTICA, N.Y. (WSYR-TV) — 21-year-old Brandon Clark of the town of Cicero has been charged with second degree murder in connection to the death of 17-year-old Bianca Devins of Utica. Police say Clark killed Devins before trying to take his own life over the weekend. Clark was arraigned Monday and remains at St. Elizabeth Medical Center in Utica.
Police were tipped off to the crime scene because of social media.
Police believe Brandon Clark parked an SUV at the end of a dead-end street, stabbing Bianca Devins to death. Police say Clark spray painted a note on the road that reads “May you never forget me.” But other evidence was posted on social media, with Clark documenting it all.
Police say they got a call Sunday morning, saying there were pictures of Devins’ body online, showing concern for both of their safety. When police got to Poe Street, they say Clark told them he killed his girlfriend before stabbing himself in the neck. Police found Devins’ body next to the car. Clark was taken to the hospital. They believe the two had gone to a concert in Queens on Saturday and got into a fight.
“This is an incident that we don’t see a lot of. It’s definitely disturbing. A young female lost her life in the prime of her life. And to be published this way is definitely disheartening and unfortunate for the family,” said Utica Police Department Lt. Bryan Coromato.
The victim’s family says they are holding a vigil Monday night in her honor.
The family of Bianca Devins issued a statement that reads:
We are very grateful for the outpouring of love and sympathy we have received from our Friends, Family, Bianca’s Friends and the whole community. Your prayers help to strengthen us through this difficult time.
Bianca, age 17, was a talented artist, a loving sister, daughter, and cousin, and a wonderful young girl, taken from us all too soon. She is now looking down on us, as she joins her cat, Belle, in heaven. Bianca’s smile brightened our lives. She will always be remembered as our Princess.
Bianca graduated from T. R. Proctor High School this past June and was looking forward to attending MVCC in the fall.
Family statement
The Utica City School District issued a statement that reads:
The Utica City School District community is saddened to learn about the tragic and untimely passing of one of our 2019 graduates, Bianca Devins. We share our deepeest heartfelt condolences with her family and loved ones. Our thoughts and prayers are with them during this very difficult time. Counseling services will be available at Proctor High School each day this week from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Bruce J. Karam, Superintendent of Schools
For more local news, follow Julia LeBlanc on Twitter @JuliaLeBlancNC9
